The university is hosting the morning-long event to foster a sense of ownership and excitement in plans to renovate the existing science center and create a sustainable learning environment. The “how green?” question invites people to dream about innovation and how sustainable building fits with EMU’s core vision and mission.

The school’s historical commitment to sustainable building is well documented, he noted. “Now that we are in the planning phase of a significant building project, we are considering how to mesh our values and dreams with the realities of appropriate funding goals and a booming new field in green technologies,” the president stated.

The forum will include input on Anabaptist theology and sustainability by retired sociologist Dr. Calvin Redekop; a summary of EMU’s track record on sustainability by Eldon Kurtz, director of EMU facilities; an overview of green design and building with Bill Barnard, LEED-AP certified architect with the Troyer Group. The event will also include discussion on EMU’s principles of sustainability.

Current students who are part of a new “green design” class this semester at EMU will also participate. They will gather ideas at the forum to research throughout the coming semester.

Planners hope that a building project that has the backing of the campus and broader community will: